What advice would you give to anyone out there hoping to be the next PW?

Roughly, €1 = $1.57. See www.xe.com for exchange rates. However U.S. banks will pay far less to exchange coins vs. exchanging bills, if they will do it at all. Your …best bet would be to find someone who is travelling to the EU and sell them the coins for use when they arrive. (MORE)

Assuming the coin is circulated, the 1865 Two Cent Piece is the 2nd highest mintage of the series. For an accurate assessment of value the coin needs to be seen and graded. Mo…st coins show a lot of wear. In general retail values for low grade coins are $16.00-$25.00, better grade are $30.00-$48.00 and coins showing almost no wear run from $71.00-$94.00. Values are a market average and only for coins in collectible condition, coins that are bent, corroded, scratched or have been cleaned have far less value if any to a collector or dealer (MORE)

If you recently came into a collection of coins and want to determine its value, you have a few resources available to help you figure it out. In the age of the Internet, ther…e are more resources than ever to help you value your coin collection.The answer is yes, to a certain extent. For more common coins, the value can be determined by checking popular auction sites. Just make sure to browse recently completed auctions rather than ones currently being conducted. This way you can see the real value that the item sold for instead of lower in-progress auctions.If you want to find out what your U.S. coins are worth, check on some popular coin trading forums and websites. There are websites that list the values of various out-of-circulation coins. However, the prices used on these sites are often out of date, as coin prices tend to fluctuate with time. The Internet is fine for determining value on a casual level, but if you are looking to cash out, you may want to consider other options.If your plan is to sell your coin collection, you need to know what all the out-of-circulation U.S. coins are worth. The best way to do this is to talk to a serious coin collector. Do not ask for an appraisal from someone looking to buy them, instead seek out a collector who is passionate about coins. That way you are sure the information you receive is honest and not skewed to get you to sell the coins. Coin collections are an investment for many people. It can be tough for you to determine whether to sell your coin collection, especially if you get a great offer from a dealer. Coins are a tough market to read, as each coin rises and falls in value separately. Ask a trusted collector what he thinks about the price of your coins. Sell them if you need to or hold on to them if you are anticipating a future increase in value.Collecting coins is a fun challenge, but it is also frustrating. The value of coins increases and decreases based on a number of factors; always keep one eye on the market for out-of-circulation coins you own. Do not be afraid to cash out if it seems like the time is right.In 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint announced that it would be removing penny coins from circulation in Canada because of its declining purchasing power and rising costs of production. The United States Treasury followed suit with an announcement by U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Giethner indicating that the Treasury would be removing both the penny and nickel from circulation beginning in January 2013.(MORE)

Any serious coin collector will have an interest in the worth of his collection. The prices ascribed to coins are complex and prone to fluctuation due to a number of factors. …Some collectors even narrow the scope of their collection to coins set above a certain value. If your collection varies, there are a few things you need to know about how the value of your coins are determined.If you are still relatively new to coin collecting, there is a tendency to think of price and value as synonymous. This is, however, not the case in the realm of coin collecting. The "price" of a coin correlates to the amount of money necessary to purchase it from a dealer. The "value" of the coin corresponds to the amount that the dealer would pay to purchase it from you. This distinction is important to keep in mind when referencing with a coin grading serviceThere are a number of factors that grading services will use to determine the value of a coin. The first of these factors is mintage, which is the number of a particular coin that was made. Another factor is demand. There is also melt value to consider, which measures how much the metals of the coin would be worth if melted down. From there, the condition and grade of the coin is taken into account. The better the condition of the coin, the higher the price it will command.There are several preferred sources that many coin collectors typically defer to when making these determinations. One such service is Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). PCGS specializes in the appraisal of rare coins and is decidedly well regarded within the industry. Another grading service is provided by the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation. Their service is endorsed by the American Numismatic Association, which carries substantial weight. This would also represent a particularly good option if you are trading in world coins. There is also the National Coin Grading Service, which often runs deals that can make having your collection appraised a more affordable proposition. This best way to determine the worth of your collector coins depends on the type of your collection. In many instances, you may not necessarily require the help of a coin grading service. There are a number of sources that will allow you to ascertain a basic valuation without the need for a grading service. "The U.S. Coins Red Book" is renowned as a guide for United States coins and offers the price of coins. "The Official Blue Book of U.S. Coins" is similar in its U.S. centric focus but instead offers the value of coins. "The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins" is another U.S. based price guide and contains a number of tips on gradation and purchasing, including wholesale and individual retail value. If you are a professional collector, if you have certain valuable pieces, or a collection would benefit from a professionally attributed value, a grading service would represent your best option.If you've managed to amass a reasonably substantial coin collection, it is in your interest to consider insuring your coins. Depending on the type of insurance you purchase, you will be protected from loss as a result of theft, fire, or natural disaster. The last thing you want is to see the worth of your collection spiraling down the drain after disaster strikes. When determining the value for insurance purposes, you should use the price of the collections value. You could consult "The U.S. Coins Red Book" if you are a collector of U.S. coins to get a basic idea of the valuation. However, most insurance agencies will require some manner of certification, and consulting a book will not provide this. In order to get certification, you will need to enlist a grading service. Some insurance companies may already have a grading service that they prefer, so it is possible that you will not have the option to select your own. Coin collecting is one of a few hobbies that can often result in some serious capital gains. It is well worth your time to ensure that your collection is treated with respect. This of course includes the handling of coins, but it also extends to the amount in which you buy and sell. By using a grading service, you have the opportunity to not only verify, but also increase the value of your coins. Once you've established a collection, or even a singular prized piece, make sure you look into insurance policies. Always protect your interests and those of your collection.If you are still relatively new to coin collecting, there is a tendency to think of price and value as synonymous. This is, however, not the case in the realm of coin collecting. The "price" of a coin correlates to the amount of money necessary to purchase it from a dealer. The "value" of the coin corresponds to the amount that the dealer would pay to purchase it from you.(MORE)

Some websites are so inaccurate that they list the value of nearly every coin as greater than face value. In reality, a slim percentage of coins carry any numismatic value. Su…ch a premium is usually based on factors like scarcity, metal content and error. Consider checking more than one of the following websites to learn whether your coins carry extra value for any reason. You don't have to pay or sign up for anything. You may want to, however, if you advance to a point in your hobby where you are certain that a service is of value to you.Numismedia is one of the most widely known and trusted sources among coin enthusiasts. Click on the link to the free collector price guide. If you are a dealer, there is an optional premium service that provides information about wholesale prices.Coin value can be highly dependent upon the official condition of the coin. PCGS provides listings of actual graded coins for you to use as reference. Consider submitting your coin for grading if doing so is likely to prove that you have a rare treasure.Many collectors choose to focus on coins with particular errors or variety markings. Look through this site's listings if you think you have an error or marking that enhances your coin's value. Read the educational material to avoid mistakes concerning errors that don't affect what coins are worth.Silver and copper are hot commodities. In the coin world, this means you can sell silver coins for their melt value or more. Be warned, however, it is currently illegal to melt coins for their copper. Check Coinflation to find out what coins are worth based on recent melt value because commodity prices change constantly.Whitman's Red Book may be the most authoritative source for retail price listings. Their website does not provide free listings. Instead, there is a premium service with a free trial period that requires sign-up.There is no single website that you must use. Look at all of these to see how you can meet your individual needs. You may also wish to seek out additional sources. Be warned that there are probably just as many inaccurate websites as there are reliable resources. Don't look for additional sources until you gain some familiarity with one or more the websites listed above. As you strengthen your grasp of common themes in coin value, you can examine potential new sources for accuracy. Knowing the worth of your coin collection is essential if you want to insure its replacement value. Your insurance company may require a professional appraisal as confirmation.(MORE)

The euro is a denomination of money used in over 22 European countries and came into circulation on Jan. 1, 2002. Prior to that date, each country had its own currency. The ad…option of the euro allowed for smoother financial transactions for all Europeans, international trade, and travelers. The euro and the U.S. dollar are the two most powerful currencies in the world. Since its inception, the euro has run close to the dollar in value with small fluctuations of less than a point. Here are five questions and answers about the history of the euro-to-dollar exchange rate and how it may affect you in the future. The exchange rate between euro and U.S. dollar is a value given to their relationship. If the exchange rate of euro to the dollar is 1.3, that means that 1 euro is worth 1.3 dollars. In other words, it takes $1.30 to equal 1 euro. Since 2002, the exchange rate has changed little. Just prior to the 2008 financial crisis, the euro rose to its highest rate of 1.6038 on July 18, 2008. But as a result of the worldwide crisis, the euro's value dropped in July 2012 to 1.21 prompted by fears about dire financial concerns in Greece and Spain. The organization that oversees and reports the exchange rates is the Foreign Exchange Market, or Forex for short. The largest international financial institutions depend on Forex to provide exchange rates for all currencies. Forex was developed in the 1970s after three decades of fixed regulations on currencies. The former Bretton Woods system, which fixed all exchange rates, was abandoned in favor of floating, or changing currencies. Fluctuating exchange rates help all the economies of the world.World trade in exports and imports cannot function without knowing currency exchange rates. Businesses everywhere that ship goods to foreign countries have to know what to pay, or be paid. By watching the Forex daily numbers, companies can convert the foreign money into their own, consistently with all other businesses that day. Another huge economic sector that needs to know exchange rates is the stock market. Foreign investments change according to the daily fluctuations in rates. Not only is it important for travelers to know the euro-to-dollar exchange rate while in Europe, but also before they embark on a trip. While researching lodging or airfare, websites may have prices listed in euros. A quick visit to the Forex website brings up the daily exchange rate. This helps the traveler to know what the upcoming trip will cost. And a look at the recent history of the exchange rate will give the story of trends. A rising trend means that in a month, for instance, the traveler's dollar won't be worth as much in Europe and the trip will cost more. A lowering trend that keeps up means the trip will cost less. It is inevitable that fluctuations will occur in the euro-to-dollar rate of exchange. And even though historically the changes have been slight, consumers do feel it in their pocketbooks. Goods that are imported from Europe must be paid for with dollars. So if the euro rises in value against the dollar, importers pay more. That increase gets passed along to the consumer. The value of each currency is a direct indication of the overall financial health of those countries or regions. And fluctuation is good. It creates competition that keeps the world's finances chugging. Nearly $4 trillion changed hands each day in 2010 in global foreign exchange markets. With that enormous amount of money moving around the globe, a tiny tick in exchange rates can make quite a difference in the day's profit or loss. The euro is divided into 100 cents, like the dollar, but not all countries that use the euro call them cents. Greece uses "lepto," and the Finns say "sentti." The coins used in Europe are also specific to each country, even though the value is the same. A coin holds the value on one side and a specific national image on the other.(MORE)

European Union (EU) countries that use the euro, the EU's currency, have changed the international financial landscape. With its introduction in 1999, the euro helped strength…en the economy of participating countries. It also helped simplify trade within euro-participating countries by eliminating the need to exchange currencies from country to country. Although any EU country can use the euro if it meets the euro convergence criteria, monetary and budgeting requirements established by the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, three countries have opted out of establishing the euro as their national currency.The euro is the currency of countries that are part of the EU. Euro currency comes in both coin and banknote (paper money) form. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 euro cents. One-euro and two-euro coins are also in circulation. The euro coins have the same front, but the back displays a distinct design of the country that issued it. Euro bills come in seven denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. In 2013, the European Central Bank began rolling out a new Europa series of banknotes.Prior to the euro, each country produced its own currency. As Europeans began to travel between countries more frequently, they had to exchange the currency of their home country to that of the country they were visiting. Not only was this inconvenient, but using various currencies also cost travelers money to exchange currency from one country's to another's. The countries in the EU wanted to simplify purchasing goods and services between EU and non-EU companies and individuals. Changing to the euro also created one value for all of the participating EU countries and eliminated exchange differences between participating countries' currencies.According to the European Union's website, of the 27 EU countries, those listed below use the euro: * Austria * Belgium * Cyprus * Estonia * Finland * France * Germany * Greece * Ireland * Italy * Luxembourg * Malta * The Netherlands * Portugal * Slovakia * Slovenia * Spain Many of these countries' overseas territories also use the euro as their national currency. In agreement with the EU, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City also use the euro as their national currency. Under the EU agreement, these countries and territories can issue a specified number of coins with their own distinct national designs. Other countries such as Andorra, Kosovo, and Montenegro use the euro as their national currency; however, they do not have an agreement with the EU to do so.To use the euro, an EU country must meet the criteria established in the Maastricht Treaty, also known as the Treaty on European Union. According to Europa's website, the Treaty established the European Union, which consists of the European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters between countries. The treaty also created the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The EMU single-market economic policy consists of three components: Member countries must guarantee to coordinate their economic policies with those of the EMU, support mutual supervision of this coordination, and be subject to financial and budgetary discipline. With the permission of the European Central Bank, a member country that meets all three of the criteria can use the euro as its national currency.The euro was phased in over several years. In 1999, 11 countries adopted the euro as their official currency, setting the value of their currency. The original 11 countries were: * Austria * Belgium * Finland * France * Germany * Italy * Luxembourg * The Netherlands * Portugal * Spain Greece adopted the euro in 2001. Until the end of 2001, euros were strictly used for accounting and payments that did not involve cash. Each country continued to use its existing coins and banknotes for cash payments. On January 1, 2002, euro coins and banknotes began circulating for cash payments, replacing each nation's individual currency. Since 2002, five more EU nations began using the euro as their national currency.The introduction of the euro helped simplify the economies of 17 EU countries. With the switch to one common currency, international trade between participating euro countries became simpler. It also had a significant impact on international trade outside of the EU. Countries, businesses, and individuals conducting business with euro countries now only trade in one currency versus multiple currencies prior to the euro's introduction. The euro also helped tourism in the same way, reducing travelers' need to exchange multiple currencies while traveling through participating countries. When traveling in Europe, remember that not all EU countries use euros. Planning ahead will help save you time and money.In 1967, the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community, and European Atomic Energy Community merged to become the European Communities (EC). The EC was the predecessor of today's European Union.(MORE)

Italian coins have been produced for thousands of years. It wasn't until the 13th century that Italy's most widely used coin, the florin, was introduced. Until the modern indu…strial era, Italy was widely divided into several states, each of which had its own coinage. Eventually, the lira was introduced on a nationwide level, only to be replaced by the euro. For Italian coin collectors, the florin is the most widely sought after currency.Coins were first used in Italy during the ancient Roman times. The denarius coin system was adopted throughout what is now known as Italy, and these coins were worth more than their precious metal value. Between 1252 and 1553, the florin was used for the medieval and renaissance periods. Early modern Italy saw an emergence of coins that would only apply to the various states in Italy. For example, the Papal States had the scudo, while the kingdom of Naples had the Neapolitan piastra. In the early 19th century when Italy unified, the lira was introduced. In 2002 the euro was adopted in Italy.Surprisingly, the rarest and most highly valued Italian coinage is the 100 lira coin from 1903. This coin bears the image of Vittorio Emanuele III. It is also known for being the largest coin of that era. The latest sale of the coin reached $10,000. This sale was secured in New York at an auction.It is possible to collect coins from Italy on eBay. eBay is a blend of sellers who are collectors themselves and individuals who have found coins using their metal detectors. You can find coins by visiting the collector and art section of eBay. Once there, select coins and region you wish to collect from. Alternatively, you can use the search function to look for coins from a specific era.It is also possible to use professional coin sellers to buy the coins you would like to collect. Coin sellers can be found online, or you may have one in your local area. These individuals can usually provide an honest appraisal that allows you to choose coins of the best quality. They also a good resource for having coins valued. Many can also order or locate specific coin types if they do not have them available.Once you have your desired coins it is important to make sure you store them correctly. Incorrect or poor storage can lead to them being damaged. As such, you need to buy a coin folder to store them in. By keeping them out of a coin folder you can cause them to be damaged by the surrounding environment, temperatures, and light. Coin folders can be purchased via eBay, or from collector's stores.Collecting coins from Italy for the first time can be exciting. As one of the few places where coins were divided according to state, Italy provides a wide selection for collectors to choose from. You can choose to work your way through the coins chronologically. Alternatively, you can collect them according to rarity or quality.Collecting coins from Italy for the first time can be confusing when you are trying to adapt to the various abbreviations. Before choosing coins on a site like eBay, familiarize yourself with what the abbreviations mean. This can help you choose coins that are of the best quality.(MORE)

Hobbies & Collectibles

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Hello friends. My name is Steven, aka Steven KeyMan. I am a long time collector of baseball memorabilia, and it has become more than a hobby but an obsession. I owned, and operated a Baseball Card hobby shop in the 1980's through the 1990's. Afterwards I started selling on eBay… (MORE)

It would depend on the coins date. MoreThere's no such coin as a "euro dollar". Many countries use dollars but the name for EU coins and bills is simply euros. Most ci…rculating €1 coins are only worth face value, so if you found it in change it's unlikely to have any extra worth. (MORE)